Cole Palmer’s flawless penalty record came crashing down as Chelsea scraped past struggling Leicester City with a 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.
The 22-year-old, who had converted all 12 of his previous spot-kicks, saw his streak snapped in dramatic fashion when Leicester’s goalkeeper Mads Hermansen produced a stunning save to deny him from 12 yards.
The miss marked a new low in Palmer’s recent goal drought, which has now stretched to eight games.
It was a moment that left the Stamford Bridge faithful stunned, as the normally ice-cold forward looked anything but as he sent a tame effort to the left, allowing Hermansen to push the ball away.
Penalty Drama Shocks Stamford Bridge
The crucial moment came in the 19th minute when Jadon Sancho was clipped inside the box by Leicester’s Victor Kristiansen.
Referee Tim Robinson had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, and up stepped Palmer – Chelsea’s go-to penalty taker – expected to do what he had done time and time again.
The tension in the stadium was palpable, but the expected outcome never came. Instead, Hermansen guessed correctly, diving low to his right to make an exceptional stop.
It was the first time Palmer had failed to convert from the spot in his Premier League career, and his frustration was clear.
Palmer’s Growing Frustration as Chelsea Struggle for Form
Palmer, who arrived from Manchester City last summer, has been one of Chelsea’s brightest sparks this season, racking up 14 goals and six assists in 31 appearances.
However, the Blues’ inconsistency has put their top-four hopes in jeopardy, with Enzo Maresca’s side suffering four defeats in their last seven matches across all competitions.
Despite his undeniable talent, Palmer has looked increasingly frustrated in recent weeks.
His struggles were evident when he was substituted in the 73rd minute, trudging straight down the tunnel without acknowledging the bench – a sign of his growing dissatisfaction with his own performances.
Cucurella the Unexpected Hero as Chelsea Grind Out Win
While Palmer’s penalty miss threatened to define the night, Chelsea eventually found a way through in the second half thanks to an unlikely source: Marc Cucurella.
The Spanish full-back, deployed in a more advanced role under Maresca’s system, stepped up in the 62nd minute, drilling a low shot from outside the box past Hermansen to hand Chelsea a much-needed three points.
The victory lifted Chelsea into the Premier League’s top four, but it was far from a convincing performance.
With crucial fixtures against Arsenal, Tottenham, and Brentford on the horizon, Maresca knows his team must improve – and fast.
What’s Next for Palmer?
The England international’s slump in form has raised questions about his confidence and role in Maresca’s system.
With Thomas Tuchel set to name his first England squad since returning as national team boss, Palmer’s place could be at risk if his form does not improve.
For Chelsea, the focus now shifts to their upcoming matches as they push for Champions League qualification.
But for Palmer, the challenge is to rediscover his goalscoring touch and prove that his penalty miss was just a minor blip in an otherwise stellar season.
